Baby skin care suggestions

The skin is a dynamic, ever-changing organ, and in the case of babies –especially during the first months– it is underdeveloped, less thick and more delicate than that of an adult, and it is more sensitive to external agents and more prone to irritation.

The main difference between a baby’s and an adult’s skin is not in the number of layers they are composed of, but rather on the thickness of each layer and its composition. The sweat and sebaceous glands are not fully active either, and the functioning of the skin barrier is limited.

Because of this, it is necessary to use products that are specially formulated to care for the skin of newborns. At Mathiesen Personal Care we have a few suggestions and suitable raw materials for these types of products. In this article we will offer you a few suggestions.

Main skin problems found in babies

• Eczema / atopic dermatitis: a skin condition that can cause itchiness, inflammation, reddening and dryness;
• Sweat Rash: inflammatory rash caused by the blockage of sweat glands, generally in high heat, high humidity conditions;
• Diaper Dermatitis: inflammation linked to diapers that are wet or not changed frequently. Because of the skin’s sensitivity and the friction with the diaper, it causes bright red patches.

Baby skin care recommendations

By better understanding the needs of a baby’s skin at each stage, we can better choose the ingredients that will be part of a formulation to care for it.

Hydrating creams

Using hydrating creams on children who have dry skin is indeed recommended, but they must be free from fragrances and dyes. The less chemicals and potential irritants we use in our formulation, the better.

Using Syndet

For hygiene, it is ideal to use the so-called Syndet, instead of soaps. Syndets are soap-free synthetic detergents –cleaning agents. They usually have a pH that is similar to that of the skin, and as a result, they avoid significantly disrupting the skin barrier. Among these synthetic detergents we can find smoother and harsher options, with the smoothest ones being those based on isethionates, betaines, taurates and glucosides.

Moisturizing Creams

For moisturizing, creams free from petroleum derivatives, easy to spread and with good absorption are ideal. Preferably, their ingredients should be non-comedogenic, from natural sources, with hydrating, emollient and skin-protecting features. Be aware that not all naturally-sourced ingredients are suitable for this application –some components may cause allergic reactions, and the best way to develop a formula that minimizes these risks is to use quality raw materials from known sources, backed by safety studies. For creams, oat derivatives, Vitellaria, vitamins, glycerin and dimethicone can be used, among others.

Sunscreens

Again, since the baby’s skin is not yet mature and is more susceptible to external agents, it is important to protect it from UV rays. In this case, it is recommended to go for mineral filters, which are safer and block sunbeams, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

Make sure to talk to a specialist for recommendations regarding a specific treatment for your baby.

Talk to our specialists to know more about our portfolio and for suggestions for special formulation.